Strawberry plant named ‘Cabrillo’

ABSTRACT

‘Cabrillo’ is a day-neutral strawberry cultivar that is moderate to strong in expressing the day-neutral character. ‘Cabrillo’ will be of special interest for winter plantings and in summer plantings where ‘San Andreas’, ‘Portola’, and ‘Albion’ have been successful.

Genus and species: The strawberry cultivar of this invention is botanically identified as Fragaria×ananassa Duch.

Variety denomination: The variety denomination is ‘Cabrillo’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a new and distinctive day-neutral type cultivar designated as ‘Cabrillo’, which resulted from a cross performed in 2008 between two unreleased germplasm accessions Cal 3.149-8 (unpatented) and Cal 5.206-5 (unpatented).

‘Cabrillo’ was first fruited at the University of California Wolfskill Experimental Orchard, near Winters, Calif. in 2009, where it was selected, originally designated Cal 8.181-1, and propagated asexually by runners. Following selection and during testing the plant of this selection was designated ‘CN236’. With the decision that this plant was to be released, this plant was given the name ‘Cabrillo’ for purposes of introduction into commerce and for international registration and recognition. Asexual propagules from this original source have been tested at the Watsonville Strawberry Research Facility, the South Coast Research and Extension Center, and to a limited extent in grower fields starting in 2010.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

‘Cabrillo’ is a day-neutral (ever-bearing) strawberry cultivar similar to ‘Albion’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 16,228), but with higher yield. It is also similar to ‘San Andreas’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,975), but with higher yield, better flavor, and larger fruit. ‘Cabrillo’ is moderate to strong in expressing the day-neutral character and ‘Cabrillo’ will be of special interest for winter plantings and in summer plantings where ‘San Andreas’, ‘Portola’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,552), and ‘Albion’ have been successful. Fruiting plants of ‘Cabrillo’ are similar in morphology to ‘Albion’ or ‘San Andreas’, although slightly larger and more erect. The fruit shape for ‘Cabrillo’ is typically a short and either symmetrical or slightly flattened conic. It is easily distinguished by fruit shape from ‘Albion’ (long conic), ‘San Andreas’ (long conic with a slight neck) or ‘Portola’ (short and rounded conic). Subjectively, ‘Cabrillo’ has outstanding flavor. The fruit will be exceptional for both fresh market and processing, and will be useful for home garden purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Figures depict various characteristics of the ‘Cabrillo’ cultivar. Plants were planted in November.

FIG. 1 shows the general flowering and fruiting characteristics of the plant in a field planting.

FIG. 2 shows a typical leaf at mid-season.

FIG. 3 shows representative mid-season fruit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

‘Cabrillo’ is typical of day-neutral strawberry cultivars and produces fruit regardless of day length when treated appropriately in arid, subtropical climates. ‘Cabrillo’ is moderate to strong in expressing the day-neutral character, being stronger in flowering response than ‘San Andreas’ and ‘Albion’, and less so than ‘Portola’ or ‘Irvine’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,172). The fruit of ‘Cabrillo’ is firmer and larger than that of unreleased parent Cal. 3.149-8; and larger and darker in color than the fruit of unreleased parent variety Cal. 5.206-5. ‘Cabrillo’ will be of special interest for winter plantings and in summer plantings where ‘San Andreas’, ‘Portola’, and ‘Albion’ have been successful.

Plants and Foliage:

Fruiting plants of ‘Cabrillo’ are similar in morphology to ‘Albion’ or ‘San Andreas’ although slightly larger and much more erect. The growth habit of the plant is upright. The inflorescence is at the same level in relation to foliage. Blistering of the leaf is absent or weak. Glossiness of the leaf is strong. The terminal leaflet is obtuse in shape. Comparative statistics for foliar characters near mid-season (November plantings) are given for ‘Cabrillo’ and the three comparison cultivars in Table 1. Individual leaflets for ‘Cabrillo’ are slightly smaller than for the comparison cultivars, and are much more concave. Leaves (including petioles) for ‘Cabrillo’ are slightly shorter than those for the comparison cultivars, mostly due to leaflet size. Petioles are generally thinner than those of the comparison cultivars. The adaxial (upper) and abaxial (lower) surfaces of leaves for ‘Cabrillo’ are similar in color to the comparison cultivars at mid-season.

TABLE 1 Foliar and plant characteristics for ‘Cabrillo’, ‘Albion’, ‘San Andreas’, and ‘Portola’. Cultivar ‘San Characteristic ‘Albion Andreas’ ‘Portola’ ‘Cabrillo’ Plant height (mm) mean 285 302 300 313 range 270-300 280-320 290-320 290-340 Plant spread (mm) mean 390 444 433 452 range 335430 370-535 410-445 390-505 Mid-tier leaflet Length (mm) mean 88 88 98 85 range  80-100  80-100  90-100  70-100 Width mean 84 82 89 79 range 75-95 70-90 80-100 70-80 Mid-tier leaf Length (mm) mean 132 135 134 126 range 110-150 130-150 150-180 120-140 Width (mm) mean 164 154 170 160 range 150-180 130-160 150-180 140-180 Leaf components Petiole length (mm) mean 205 220 223 218 range 180-220 200-260 190-260 200-240 Petiole diameter (mm) mean 5.2 4.7 4.9 3.9 range 4-6 4-6 4-6 3-5 Petiolule length (mm) mean 6.1 6.0 10.7 11.4 range 5-9 10-12  8-14 # leaflets/leaf 3 3 3 3 Leaf convexity some flat, some flat, some flat, mostly most slight most slight most slight concave concave concave concave Serrations number/leaf 24.2 21.8 24.6 20.5 range 22-26 19-24 21-28 18-24 shape semi- semi- semi- semi- pointed pointed pointed pointed Leaf pubescence moderate- moderate moderate light- heavy moderate Petiole pubescence heavy heavy moderate heavy density direction perpen- perpen- perpen- perpen- dicular dicular dicular dicular Petiole color 5 GY 8/8 7.5 GY 8/7 5 GY 8/8 (Munsell) Stipule length (mm) mean 33.0 32.0 29.4 30.0 range 30-35 25-35 24-37 24-40 Stipule color (Munsell) core margins 7 G 9/4 2.5 GY 8/9 2.5 GY 8/9 5 GY 7/10 7 GY 8/7 5 GY 8/7 5 GY 8/8 5 GY 8/8 Stolon base 2.7 1.8 1.4 1.5 diameter (mm) Stolons per nursery 15.8 21.5 20.3 22.0 mother plant Venation pattern pinnate pinnate pinnate pinnate color (Munsell) 5 GY 6/8 2.5 GY 6/8 2.5 GY 6/8 10 GY 8/7 Disease and Pest Reaction:

‘Cabrillo’ is moderately resistant to powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis), and moderately susceptible to Anthracnose crown rot (Colletotrichum acutatum). It is moderately resistant to Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae), Phytophthora crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum) and common leaf spot (Ramularia tulasnei) (Table 2). When treated properly, it has tolerance to two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) equal to that for the comparison cultivars. ‘Cabrillo’ is tolerant to strawberry viruses encountered in California.

TABLE 2 Disease resistance scores for ‘Cabrillo’ and three comparison cultivars; scores were obtained in evaluations conducted in 2012-2014. Phytophthora Verticillium Colletotrichum Resistance Score Resistance Score Resistance Score Genotype (5 = best) (5 = best) (5 = best) ‘Albion’ 4.6 4.0 2.9 ‘San Andreas’ 4.3 4.4 2.9 ‘Portola’ 4.4 3.2 7.4 ‘Cabrillo’ 4.2 3.4 1.8 Flowering, Fruiting, Fruit, and Production Characteristics:

‘Cabrillo’ is similar to other California day-neutral cultivars (e. g. ‘San Andreas’ and ‘Albion’) in that it will flower independently of day length, given appropriate temperature and horticultural conditions. The petals as arranged in the flower are touching. The achenes are level with the surface. The fruit is firm. Flowering occurs early. Comparative statistics for flower and fruit characters near mid-season (November plantings) are given for ‘Cabrillo’ and the three comparison cultivars in Table 4. The primary flowers for ‘Cabrillo’ are similar in size to the comparison cultivars with a calyx that is distinctly larger relative to the corolla on primary fruit. The calyx for ‘Cabrillo’ varies in position but is usually more indented than for ‘Albion’ or ‘San Andreas’, similar to ‘Portola’. The fruit shape for ‘Cabrillo’ can vary, but is typically a short and either symmetrical or slightly flattened conic. It is easily distinguished by fruit shape from ‘Albion’ (long conic), ‘San Andreas’ (long conic with a slight neck) or ‘Portola’ (short and rounded conic). ‘Cabrillo’ usually has a greater proportion of symmetrical fruit than the comparison cultivars. External fruit color for ‘Cabrillo’ is lighter and has greater shine than that of ‘Albion’ or ‘San Andreas’ and is distinctly darker than that of ‘Portola’. Internal color is somewhat lighter with less red pigment than for ‘Albion’ (Table 3). Achenes vary from yellow to dark red, but are frequently more yellow than the comparison cultivars, and are usually slightly indented.

TABLE 3 Foliar and fruit color characteristics for ‘Cabrillo’ and three comparison cultivars. Cultivar Color Character ‘Albion’ ‘San Andreas’ ‘Portola’ ‘Cabrillo’ Leaf color (CIELAB) Adaxial L* mean 36.3 36.9 37.7 36.2 range 32.2-40.8 34.1-39.2 36.2-38.7 35.0-38.7 a* mean −9.8 −9.7 −9.4 −9.8 range  −6.7-−12.8  −8.5-−10.9  −6.9-−10.8  −6.7-−12.5 b* mean 13.7 13.1 13.2 12.9 range 12.1-18.1 12.8-15.5 10.8-14.3 10.1-15.8 Munsell 5 GY 4/3 5 GY 4/3 5 GY 3/2 5 GY 4/3 Abaxial L* mean 50.2 49.4 48.7 51.1 range 48.7-60.0 37.8-51.3 45.8-50.0 49.2-53.1 a* mean −13.1 −12.6 −12.2 −13.1 range −11.5-−14.0  −9.9-−13.8 −11.2-−12.7 −12.5-−14.0 b* mean 20.1 20.6 18.7 20.4 range 16.8-22.9 13.2-21.6 18.1-19.1 19.5-21.0 Munsell 10 GY 7/8 10 GY 7/8 7.5 GY 5/7 5 GY 5/5 Fruit color (CIELAB) External L* mean 37.6 40.3 40.1 39.2 range 34.6-41.5 37.7-44.9 37.2-42.5 35.4-41.6 a* mean 34.2 35.7 35.1 32.0 range 29.9-38.4 33.2-37.8 33.9-36.9 30.8-32.8 b* mean 19.3 23.2 22.5 70.5 range 12.9-20.9 18.6-30.0 15.2-27.2 18.5-23.2 Munsell 5 R 3/7 5 R 4/12 2.5 R 4/10 7.5 R 4/11 Internal L* mean 49.4 56.2 52.8 54.4 range 37.2-54.4 54.2-59.1 48.6-57.6 50.0-56.0 a* mean 19.2 18.5 18.4 14.9 range 16.7-23.1 12.8-20.8 13.5-21.8 9.8-20.5 b* mean 23.1 25.2 27.6 22.1 range 20.0-27.9 22.0-28.1 23.4-30.3 18.2-29.4 Munsell 5 R 4/12 7.5 R 4/11 5 R 5/13 5 R 5/13 Achene color 2.5 R 8/12 10 Y 7/9 7.5 Y 7/9 10 Y 8/11 Munsell

TABLE 4 Flower and fruit characters for ‘Cabrillo’ and three comparison cultivars. Cultivar ‘San Character ‘Albion’ Andreas ‘Portola’ ‘Cabrillo’ Petal number mean 5.5 6.4 6.0 5.3 range 5-7 6-7 5-7 5-7 Petal shape apex truncate to truncate to truncate to truncate slightly slightly slightly to obtuse obtuse obtuse slightly obtuse base attenuate attenuate attenuate attenuate margin entire entire entire entire Petal length (mm) mean 9.4 9.1 10.3 10/7 range  8-10  7-11  9-12  9-13 Petal width (mm) mean 8.9 9.1 11.2 12.2 range  8-10  8-11 10-12 10-13 Flower position most even most even most most (relative to foliage) some some exposed, exposed exposed internal and some even exposed Calyx diam.(mm) mean 31.3 32.7 29.1 35.2 range 25-35 27-38 27-32 32-38 Corolla diam. (mm) mean 26.0 30.8 24.2 26.3 range 25-30 28-34 22-26 24-28 Sepal length (mm) mean 15.0 10.1 10.4 10.9 range  8-20  7-12  9-12  9-15 Sepal width (mm) mean 6.5 6.4 6.9 6.7 range 5-8  5-10 6-8 5-8 Sepal color 5 GY 5/6 5 GY 5/6 5 GY 5/6 5 GY 5/6 (Munsell) Pedicel length (mm) mean 261 301 266 243 range 240-280 260-350 220-300 230-270 Pedicel diameter (mm) mean 4.5 4.9 3.9 5.0 range 4-5 4-7 3-5 4-6 Pedicel color 2.5 GY 6/8 2.5 GY 9/8 5 GY 6/8 2.5 GY 9/8 Fruit shape Fruit length (mm) mean 54.1 52.1 46.7 53.0 range 47-57 44-58 43-55 48-61 Fruit width (mm) mean 45.7 44.2 47.4 47.7 range 42-48 42-55 42-52 43-57 Length/width ratio 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.1 range 1.0-1.4 1.0-1.3 0.8-1.1 1.1-1.3 subjective medium to medium to most short medium long conic long conic conic conic Primary/secondary fruit comparison size (subjective)  70-80%  60-70%  60-70%  70-80% shape shorter conic shorter conic similar similar shape shape Extent/size small- small- small-absent small- of hollow core medium medium absent Calyx even to even-slight even- indented- position indented neck indented even size relative to equal or equal or equal or equal or fruit greater than greater than greater than greater fruit fruit fruit than fruit diameter diameter diameter diameter Seed position even- even even even- indented indented Adherence of weak weak weak inter- Calyx to Fruit mediate Flower measurements and fruit measurements obtained May 1-Jun. 1, 2013, subjective observations obtained May 28, 2014.

‘Cabrillo’ has been tested under a variety of cultural regimes, and optimal performance is obtained when nursery treatments and nutritional programs similar to those for ‘Albion’, ‘San Andreas’, and ‘Portola’ are used. In general, ‘Cabrillo’ is more vigorous than the comparison cultivars and is more flexible to planting and chilling treatments. ‘Cabrillo’ retains excellent fruit quality in summer planting systems.

When treated with appropriate planting regimes, ‘Cabrillo’ has larger fruit and produces greater individual-plant yield than any of the comparison cultivars (Table 5). ‘Cabrillo’ has a similar production pattern to ‘Albion’ with most cultural treatments, although it is substantially more adapted to later-season winter planting and spring planting. Commercial appearance ratings have been similar to or better than those for all of the comparison cultivars, especially ‘Portola’; these superior appearance scores translate directly into a larger fraction of marketable fruit than is produced by the comparison cultivars. Fruit for ‘Cabrillo’ is substantially firmer than fruit from the comparison cultivars. Subjectively, ‘Cabrillo’ has outstanding flavor. The fruit will be exceptional for both fresh market and processing, and will be useful for home garden purposes.

TABLE 5 Performance of ‘Cabrillo’ and three comparison cultivars evaluated at the Watsonville Research Facility in 2012-13. All plants for these trials were harvested from a commercial nursery near Macdoel, CA on October 15-16, and transplanted after 18-21 days supplemental storage. Fruit harvest was initiated in early April and continued through the first week of October. (52″ 2-row beds, 17,300 plants/acre). Appearance Fruit Yield Score Size Cultivar (g/plant) (5 = best) (g/fruit) Firmness ‘Albion’ 2,632 4.1 32.6 12.2 ‘San Andreas’ 3,090 4.3 32.0 12.2 ‘Portola’ 2,900 3.4 31.7 11.4 ‘Cabrillo’ 3,669 4.3 32.0 12.2 

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of strawberry plant having the characteristics substantially as described and illustrated herein. 